Abu Dhabi stands at a crossroads of opportunity. Embracing Bitcoin and broader cryptocurrency adoption can supercharge the emirate’s strategic goals across multiple sectors. From reducing oil dependence to attracting global talent, crypto integration aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 for a diversified, knowledge-based economy. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a whole is already positioning itself as a global crypto hub, backed by forward-thinking regulations and investments. Below, we explore five key dimensions where Bitcoin and crypto adoption can benefit Abu Dhabi, supported by data and examples from reputable financial and industry sources.
1. Economic Diversification Beyond Oil
For decades, Abu Dhabi’s economy has relied heavily on oil and gas. In recent years, oil and gas still accounted for up to 40% of GDP, but the UAE’s leadership has set ambitious targets to change that . The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2021/2030 initiatives aim to create a knowledge-based economy where non-oil sectors dominate. Embracing Bitcoin and blockchain is a powerful catalyst in this shift:
- New Digital Industries: The rise of crypto and fintech in the Gulf is part of broader economic reform, driven by a pursuit of resilience in the face of oil-driven vulnerabilities . By integrating Bitcoin and blockchain technologies, Abu Dhabi can foster new industries (crypto exchanges, payment platforms, blockchain developers) that contribute to GDP without relying on oil. This expansion into digital finance and services complements other diversification moves (e.g., manufacturing and tech investments) and creates high-skilled jobs for the future economy.
- Alignment with Vision 2030: Cryptocurrency adoption fits the long-term vision of a sustainable, diversified economy. The UAE is already the region’s crypto trailblazer – it has set clear regulatory frameworks and ambitious adoption targets, signaling that digital assets are part of its economic future . By 2016, the UAE had one of the highest shares of manufactured (non-oil) exports in the GCC at ~70% ; adding a thriving crypto sector can further boost non-oil exports of services and technology. This moves Abu Dhabi closer to the goal of an economy where 80% of GDP is non-oil , ensuring long-term sustainability beyond hydrocarbons.
- Sovereign Wealth Investment in Crypto: Abu Dhabi’s own financial giants are recognizing Bitcoin’s value. Mubadala, the emirate’s $330 billion sovereign wealth fund, has made significant investments in crypto assets. In early 2025, Mubadala disclosed a $408.5 million stake in BlackRock’s Bitcoin fund (holding 8.7 million shares) , reflecting a strategic bet on cryptocurrency as part of its diversified portfolio. Such high-profile investments not only diversify the emirate’s wealth but also signal confidence in Bitcoin’s future, encouraging local businesses to follow suit.
- Geopolitical and Economic Resilience: Pivoting into digital currencies can also give Abu Dhabi greater financial resilience on the global stage. Gulf states are actively exploring alternatives to traditional dollar dominance – from piloting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to partnering on blockchain payment systems . By fostering a vibrant crypto economy, Abu Dhabi hedges against oil price volatility and geopolitical risks, ensuring it remains influential in the “future of finance.” In essence, Bitcoin’s decentralized, borderless nature could bolster Abu Dhabi’s economic independence and global financial ties simultaneously.
Overall, integrating Bitcoin and crypto into the economy aligns with Abu Dhabi’s diversification ethos. It catalyzes new sectors, attracts foreign investment, and prepares the emirate for a post-oil era of growth. As one report notes, the GCC’s crypto momentum is “shaped by its pursuit of economic diversification” – Abu Dhabi’s proactive embrace of crypto is a natural extension of that strategy.
2. Crypto Regulation & Innovation – Becoming a Global Hub
Abu Dhabi has distinguished itself with a progressive regulatory framework and a supportive environment for crypto innovation. By crafting clear rules and nurturing startups, the capital can establish itself as a global cryptocurrency and blockchain hub, rivaling the likes of Singapore or Zug. The UAE leadership understands that regulatory clarity is key to attracting companies and talent:
Overview: The UAE’s crypto-friendly ecosystem by emirate (Abu Dhabi highlights institutional-grade regulation via ADGM and a $2B Web3 fund) .
- Early Mover in Regulation: Abu Dhabi took an early lead in crypto regulation through the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), its international financial free zone. As far back as 2018, the ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) implemented a comprehensive framework for virtual assets – the first of its kind in the GCC . This framework covers exchange licensing, custody, compliance, and more, providing certainty for businesses and investors. In effect, Abu Dhabi created a safe sandbox for crypto when many countries were still undecided. By 2023, this clarity had already attracted major institutional players like Copper, Paxos, and eToro to expand into Abu Dhabi under the FSRA’s oversight . Such companies bring capital and expertise, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a credible jurisdiction for crypto ventures.
- World-Leading Crypto Laws: The UAE’s approach to crypto regulation is now considered one of the world’s most progressive and balanced . At the federal level, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Central Bank issue guidelines, while free zones like ADGM and Dubai’s DIFC have their own regimes . This multi-layered yet coordinated strategy encourages innovation while maintaining safeguards. Notably, Dubai’s creation of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in 2022 (the first dedicated crypto regulator globally) spurred competition, pushing Abu Dhabi to continually enhance its framework . The result is a healthy regulatory environment where businesses have options: Abu Dhabi often caters to institutional and high-capital crypto activities, complementing Dubai’s more retail-focused approach . This regulatory clarity and cooperation (e.g. mutual recognition agreements between VARA and the SCA) means a crypto exchange licensed in one emirate can operate across the UAE – effectively creating a unified national market. Such certainty is hugely attractive to crypto entrepreneurs who might face ambiguity or hostility in other jurisdictions.
- Innovation Sandboxes and Startups: Beyond regulation, Abu Dhabi actively incubates blockchain innovation. A prime example is Hub71+ Digital Assets, a dedicated program under the emirate’s flagship tech ecosystem Hub71. In 2023, Abu Dhabi launched a $2 billion initiative via Hub71 to back Web3 and blockchain startups . This fund, anchored by partners like First Abu Dhabi Bank’s FABRIC R&D center, provides startups with capital, mentorship, and access to government and corporate partners . It also supports global crypto businesses in relocating to Abu Dhabi by offering incentives and a “soft landing” in the market . Such initiatives are bearing fruit: by 2024, digital asset startups in Hub71 had raised over $100 million in funding , and numerous crypto companies have made Abu Dhabi their home. The presence of ADGM’s industry sandbox, which has licensed at least six crypto exchanges (e.g. MidChains, etc.) under strict governance , further fosters innovation while ensuring compliance. This careful balance of innovation and oversight helps Abu Dhabi attract cutting-edge projects in blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, and digital asset management.
- Global Talent and Knowledge Hub: By championing crypto, Abu Dhabi signals to the world’s tech talent that it’s open for business. The emirate offers what crypto founders need: free zones with 100% foreign ownership, world-class infrastructure, and even zero taxes on personal crypto gains (as guaranteed across the UAE) . Entrepreneurs can obtain long-term Golden Visas, enjoy 5G connectivity, and tap into a cosmopolitan lifestyle . This potent mix has already made the UAE the top destination for migrating millionaires, expecting 9,800 new millionaires in 2025 – many drawn by crypto-friendly policies . Abu Dhabi is sharing in this influx, leveraging its reputation for stability and its strong financial sector. By integrating blockchain courses in universities and hosting international fintech events, the city also develops local human capital in blockchain. In essence, progressive regulation and robust support systems are transforming Abu Dhabi into a global crypto innovation hub, driving economic diversification and international prestige in tandem.
3. Attracting Global Investment and Crypto Tourism
An embrace of Bitcoin doesn’t just benefit businesses – it can turn Abu Dhabi into a magnet for global investors, tech entrepreneurs, and even tourists who are active in the crypto space. By positioning itself as a crypto-forward city, Abu Dhabi stands to gain capital inflows and visitor growth:
- Foreign Investment Inflows: Clear crypto regulations and tax advantages are already luring major investments into the UAE’s crypto sector. For instance, an Abu Dhabi–backed investment group MGX made a $2 billion investment in Binance in 2025, becoming a minority shareholder of the world’s largest crypto exchange . This is one of the largest crypto investments ever and underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global center for digital assets as part of its diversification plan . Such landmark deals send a strong message to venture capitalists and blockchain firms worldwide: Abu Dhabi is a stable, well-resourced haven where big crypto projects can thrive. In addition, the presence of international crypto firms (e.g. exchanges, payment companies, NFT platforms) setting up regional headquarters in the UAE is growing – drawn by no capital gains tax and supportive policies. The UAE received over $30 billion in crypto value between mid-2023 and mid-2024, making it the third-largest crypto economy in the Middle East . This influx – spread across retail users, professional traders, and institutions – highlights how global crypto wealth is flowing into the country’s markets due to its open-arms approach.
- Entrepreneurial Magnet: For crypto entrepreneurs and blockchain startups, Abu Dhabi offers an unbeatable proposition. They can incorporate in ADGM or other free zones with full foreign ownership, benefit from zero personal taxes, and enjoy fast licensing for crypto activities under FSRA’s regime. The UAE’s “business-ready ecosystems” (like ADGM, Dubai’s DIFC, and others) come with plug-and-play infrastructure and government support . Notably, the UAE government even exempted most crypto transactions from VAT (value-added tax) as of late 2024 , treating crypto trading on par with other financial services. This means crypto founders can operate with low overhead and predictability. Moreover, the coveted Golden Visa program offers 10-year residency to investors, tech experts, and even high-net-worth crypto holders, ensuring they have a secure, long-term base in the Emirates . These perks have not gone unnoticed: a global wave of crypto millionaires is choosing to relocate to the UAE, finding an environment where they can reinvest their digital wealth freely and enjoy a luxury lifestyle at the same time . This influx of wealthy individuals and innovative startups contributes to the local economy (real estate, services, jobs) and builds Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a modern, forward-looking metropolis.
- Crypto Tourism Boom: Beyond investors, embracing Bitcoin can give Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector an edge. Today’s travelers – especially younger, tech-savvy tourists – are increasingly crypto-aware, and many hold digital currencies. Abu Dhabi can differentiate itself by catering to this demographic. For example, tourist-facing businesses could accept Bitcoin or stablecoins for payments, making it convenient for crypto holders to spend during their visit. The UAE’s aviation and hospitality industry is already moving in this direction: Emirates Airline (Dubai-based) announced it will accept payments via Crypto.com, allowing customers to buy tickets with cryptocurrency . Similarly, Dubai Duty Free (the airport retailer) is integrating crypto payments to enhance the traveler experience . Abu Dhabi’s own airline and retailers could follow suit, signaling that the city welcomes crypto users. The head of Dubai’s tourism board noted that being open to crypto payments in hotels and tourist establishments is a “great opportunity… to attract more international visitors,” provided it’s well-regulated . Already, a handful of UAE hotels have started accepting crypto – for instance, the luxury Palazzo Versace hotel partnered with Binance to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin for stays and services . If Abu Dhabi’s hotels, theme parks (like Yas Island attractions), and tour operators adopt similar innovations, it could entice a niche of affluent tourists who prefer destinations where they can spend their crypto easily. Offering crypto payment options and hosting high-profile blockchain conferences (such as the Token2049 summit which drew enthusiasts from around the world ) can position Abu Dhabi as both a business and leisure hub for the global crypto community. The multiplier effect of these visitors includes higher spending in the local economy and free publicity as these travelers share their positive experiences in a futuristic, crypto-friendly city.
- Confidence and Brand Image: By championing Bitcoin adoption, Abu Dhabi also bolsters its international brand as a tech-savvy, innovative city. Just as Dubai garnered headlines as a “City of the Future” with driverless cars and tallest towers, Abu Dhabi can showcase itself as the Middle East’s blockchain capital, where cutting-edge technology is part of everyday life. This narrative is powerful and motivating – it reassures foreign investors and tourists alike that Abu Dhabi is stable yet dynamic, rooted in regulatory best practices yet unafraid to embrace new ideas. In a competitive global landscape, this image helps Abu Dhabi stand out and continuously draw in capital, talent, and visitors.
In short, making Bitcoin a part of Abu Dhabi’s fabric can have spillover benefits: investment funds arriving, startups launching, conferences convening, and tourists exploring – all contributing to a vibrant, future-ready economy.
4. Financial Security and Inclusion for Residents
Adopting Bitcoin and crypto technologies can also enhance financial security and inclusion for Abu Dhabi’s residents and businesses. While the UAE dirham is stable (pegged to the US dollar), access to borderless digital currency offers new options for protecting wealth, conducting commerce, and including those underserved by traditional banks:
- Hedge Against Currency Risks and Inflation: Bitcoin has often been likened to “digital gold” for its role as a store of value with a limited supply . Holding a portion of savings in Bitcoin could offer residents a hedge against inflation or currency fluctuations in the long run. For example, global inflationary pressures or a weakening in major currencies won’t erode the value of Bitcoin in the same way, since its supply is capped and it isn’t tied to any single economy. Abu Dhabi’s investors and even its sovereign funds are already leveraging this property – as seen by Mubadala’s sizable Bitcoin investment – to diversify away from traditional assets and oil-linked revenues. By normalizing Bitcoin as an investable asset, individuals and businesses in the UAE can similarly use it to diversify their financial holdings, potentially safeguarding their wealth. This is particularly relevant for expatriate residents from countries with volatile currencies: instead of keeping all savings in those currencies (or in USD), they might hold some value in Bitcoin as a protection against home-country inflation. (Notably, in inflation-prone economies like Türkiye, many retail users have turned to crypto as a store of value, exemplifying this hedge behavior .) In essence, Bitcoin offers an alternative financial security blanket – independent of central bank policies – that Abu Dhabi residents could use in times of uncertainty.
- Borderless Commerce for Businesses: Companies in Abu Dhabi can benefit from Bitcoin’s borderless payment network to facilitate trade and financial transactions. Traditional cross-border payments can be slow and incur high fees, especially outside major currency corridors. Bitcoin (and cryptocurrencies in general) enable near-instant settlement globally, 24/7, without the need for intermediaries like correspondent banks. An Abu Dhabi business importing goods from emerging markets, for instance, could use crypto to pay suppliers faster and avoid currency conversion issues. Likewise, local entrepreneurs dealing with international clients can accept Bitcoin from anywhere, expanding their customer base beyond the limitations of local banking networks. Such flexibility is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s push to be a global commerce hub. It also provides a backup in case of any geopolitical or banking disruptions – a decentralized network like Bitcoin is more resilient to shocks than traditional channels. As long as proper regulations and safeguards are in place (to manage volatility and compliance), this frictionless, borderless finance can give Abu Dhabi’s firms an edge in the global market, reducing costs and increasing speed in financial operations.
- Boosting Financial Inclusion: Perhaps most inspiring is Bitcoin’s potential to include those who’ve been left out of the traditional financial system. Globally, about 1.7 billion adults have no bank account, with a significant number from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia – many of whom live and work in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Even within the region, excluding high-income countries, fewer than 50% of adults have bank accounts as of 2021 . In the UAE, basic banking penetration is high, but lower-income migrant workers often face barriers like minimum balance fees or lack of accessible services. Cryptocurrencies can help bridge this gap. With a simple smartphone, individuals can download a crypto wallet and instantly have a tool for saving, sending, and receiving money – without needing a traditional bank account. There’s no paperwork or minimum income threshold to hold Bitcoin in a wallet. For example, a parking attendant or domestic worker could begin accumulating small amounts of Bitcoin as savings, something they might struggle to do formally due to bank fees or eligibility. Over time, this helps inculcate a saving habit and gives them more control over their finances, as one young expatriate in Dubai noted: using crypto on his phone could help him “keep track of his finances more easily” and save what he otherwise couldn’t . Additionally, DeFi (decentralized finance) platforms – which the UAE is encouraging through its balanced approach – can offer lending, remittance, and insurance services to people who lack collateral or credit history for traditional banking. While these innovations are nascent, the vision is compelling: in the future, any resident in Abu Dhabi with an internet connection could access a full suite of financial services powered by crypto – from borrowing against crypto assets to earning yield – without ever setting foot in a bank branch. This level of inclusion and empowerment aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of financial well-being for all residents, regardless of income level.
- Empowering the Underbanked with Caution: It’s important to note that unlocking these benefits requires education and smart regulation. The UAE recognizes this, as authorities work to raise awareness about safeguarding digital assets and avoiding scams . The volatility of Bitcoin is a risk that needs managing – for instance, someone shouldn’t put all their life savings in such a volatile asset without understanding the consequences . That’s where stablecoins (cryptos pegged to stable assets like USD) might also play a role in financial inclusion. Indeed, many GCC residents show a preference for stablecoins as on-ramps to crypto services , given their price stability. By fostering a regulated stablecoin ecosystem alongside Bitcoin, Abu Dhabi can ensure low-income users get the cost benefits of crypto without exposing themselves fully to volatility. In summary, with the right guardrails, Bitcoin and its crypto cousins can greatly enhance financial security (through diversification and new payment rails) and extend financial services to segments of the population that need them most, supporting a more inclusive economy.
5. Faster, Cheaper Remittances for Expatriates
Perhaps the most immediate and tangible benefit of Bitcoin adoption in Abu Dhabi would be in the realm of remittances. The UAE has a massive expatriate workforce – nearly 80% of the UAE’s population of ~9 million are expats – and a significant portion are workers who send money to family back home every month. In fact, the UAE (and the Gulf region) is one of the world’s largest sources of remittance outflows, with about $43 billion sent from the region in a recent year, making it the second-highest sender after the U.S. . Enabling Bitcoin and crypto-based remittance tools could be revolutionary:
- Dramatically Lower Fees: Traditional remittances via banks or money transfer operators (MTOs) often charge anywhere from 3% to 7% (or more) of the amount sent, when you factor in exchange rate markups and fees. For a low-wage worker sending, say, $600 home each month, even a 5% fee means $30 lost monthly – money that could be vital for their family. Additionally, these workers often spend time traveling to and queuing at exchange houses to complete the transfer. Crypto can eliminate much of these costs. With Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, the sender can transfer value directly to their family’s wallet in minutes, often for negligible network fees (pennies or a few dollars, regardless of amount). One Nepali worker in Dubai noted that he pays around $7 in fees each time he sends money via traditional channels and struggles to save anything; he eagerly awaited licensed crypto exchanges so he could send money home “with smaller fees – or none at all – and within minutes,” skipping the long waits in the heat . That sentiment is shared by many migrants who see the promise of services like Bitcoin: essentially, more of their hard-earned dirhams would reach their families, rather than being eaten by intermediaries. Over a year, reducing remittance fees from ~5% to near 0% could mean hundreds of extra dollars in the pocket of each expat worker – a powerful impact on households in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Africa, and elsewhere that depend on Gulf remittances.
- Speed and Convenience: Beyond cost, Bitcoin-based remittances offer speed and convenience that traditional methods can’t match. Remittances that might take days through banking channels (especially over weekends or holidays) could be settled in around 10 minutes on the Bitcoin network, or even seconds if using Layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network. This real-time capability is crucial in emergencies when families need funds quickly. Moreover, crypto transfers can be done 24/7 from a mobile phone, meaning a construction worker in Abu Dhabi could send money after work at midnight, without needing to visit an exchange house during limited business hours. Receiving families, on their end, can often choose to convert the crypto to local currency through local exchanges or peer-to-peer platforms, or increasingly, spend it directly if merchants in their country accept crypto. This always-on, instant access can improve the quality of life for expats, freeing them from the stress of timing their remittances and dealing with paperwork. It’s a leap towards financial inclusion as well – giving workers digital tools to manage their money with dignity and autonomy.
- Innovative Remittance Services: The UAE government and startups are already moving to leverage crypto for remittances in a regulated way. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has mandated licensing for anyone offering crypto services, which paves the way for official crypto-remittance providers . Several companies have qualified, and Abu Dhabi-based platforms like MidChains are preparing to launch trading services that could include remittance features . The co-founder of MidChains expressed that “banking for the unbanked… that’s where we want the technology to lead”, envisioning a future where migrant workers routinely use crypto platforms to send money home . In the meantime, even without direct participation of every low-wage worker, crypto can reduce remittance costs via B2B innovation. For example, UAE Exchange (a major remittance company) partnered in the past with Ripple to use blockchain for back-end transfers, indicating a trend where even traditional remittance firms might use crypto rails to settle transfers cheaper and faster, passing some savings to customers. Abu Dhabi could encourage pilots where a UAE digital currency or stablecoin (perhaps a dirham-pegged coin) is used for cross-border transfers with key corridors, slashing costs while maintaining stability. The AE Coin (a UAE-regulated stablecoin) already caught attention when Air Arabia announced it would accept it for ticket payments – a similar concept could apply to remittances, where workers convert dirhams to a stablecoin and the family converts that to local currency back home.
- Socio-Economic Impact: Cheaper remittances mean more money in the hands of families in developing countries, which can improve nutrition, education, and entrepreneurship abroad. This uplifts Abu Dhabi’s image as a contributor to global development. It might also allow expats to save more of their income in the UAE, making their own lives better. Furthermore, if those savings are kept in crypto within the UAE’s financial system, they could even be deployed into the local economy (through spending or local investment) before being sent out, rather than immediately exiting as cash. Finally, enabling crypto remittances could reduce the use of informal channels (like hawala) by offering a legal, transparent alternative – supporting the UAE’s anti-money laundering goals while still benefiting workers. It’s a win-win: the human benefit is clear and the economic efficiency gains are significant. With proper oversight to mitigate risks (like volatile exchange rates – workers might use more stable crypto assets or convert immediately upon receipt to avoid Bitcoin’s short-term swings ), Abu Dhabi can become a model for integrating cryptocurrency into remittances and lead a regional revolution in how migrant workers send money home.
In summary, empowering the huge expatriate population with crypto remittance tools is both a strategic and compassionate move. It aligns with Abu Dhabi’s innovation agenda and directly improves the financial well-being of millions, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a forward-looking financial center that doesn’t forget the needs of the common worker.
Conclusion: A Vision of a Crypto-Enabled Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s proactive steps toward Bitcoin and crypto adoption could yield transformational benefits across its economy and society. By leveraging crypto to diversify the economy, the emirate can reduce its oil dependence and cultivate new high-tech sectors in line with Vision 2030. Through progressive regulation and investment in innovation, Abu Dhabi is poised to become a global crypto hub, attracting companies, talent, and capital from around the world. These efforts dovetail with strategies to draw investors and tourists – as the city becomes known as a haven for crypto wealth and a destination where digital currency holders are welcomed with open arms.
Crucially, embracing Bitcoin also carries substantial benefits for the people of Abu Dhabi. It can enhance financial security by providing alternative ways to save and transact, and extend financial inclusion by offering services to those who need them most. And for the vast expat workforce, crypto-based remittance solutions could be life-changing, turning costly, slow money transfers into fast, low-cost digital transactions – truly a modern-day empowerment story.
None of this is to say the journey is without challenges. Abu Dhabi will need to continue its prudent oversight, education campaigns, and collaboration with global partners to mitigate risks like volatility, fraud, and regulatory arbitrage. The good news is that the UAE’s leadership has shown it can balance innovation with caution, as evidenced by the robust frameworks already in place . The momentum is clearly on Abu Dhabi’s side: from government ministers to young entrepreneurs, there is a palpable energy to harness “blockchain’s transformative potential for digital finance,” as the CEO of MGX stated during the Binance deal .
Abu Dhabi has always been a land of bold vision and rapid modernization. Just as it used oil wealth to build a world-class city, it can now use digital wealth and blockchain technology to build a world-class smart economy. By adopting Bitcoin across these strategic dimensions, Abu Dhabi isn’t just future-proofing its economy – it’s igniting a new engine of prosperity and inclusion. The message is an inspiring one: the future of finance can belong to those who embrace it. And Abu Dhabi is well on its way to doing exactly that, for the benefit of all who call it home.
Sources:
- Chainalysis – “Clear regulation drives a balanced crypto ecosystem in the UAE,” highlighting UAE’s $30B+ crypto inflows and progressive regulatory approach .
- Carnegie Endowment – “The Future of Cryptocurrency in the GCC,” noting Gulf crypto adoption is driven by diversification and resilience beyond oil, with UAE as a regional trailblazer .
- Cointelegraph – “Why crypto millionaires are moving to the UAE,” outlining zero-tax benefits, Golden Visas, and the UAE’s crypto-friendly policies across Dubai and Abu Dhabi (ADGM’s 2018 framework, Hub71’s $2B initiative) .
- Reuters – Coverage of Abu Dhabi’s major crypto investments, e.g. Mubadala’s $408M Bitcoin fund stake and MGX’s $2B investment in Binance, underscoring the UAE’s aim to be a global digital assets center as part of economic diversification .
- The National (UAE) – Reports on Emirates Airline and others accepting crypto payments, and statements from tourism officials that crypto-friendly services can attract international visitors .
- Reuters (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – “Cryptocurrency promise for UAE’s unbanked migrants,” featuring stories of expats and noting that crypto exchanges could drastically lower remittance costs for millions of workers in the UAE .
- AInvest / UAE Vision 2021–2030 summaries – Data on Abu Dhabi’s diversification progress (oil GDP share, non-oil targets, FDI inflows) and commitment to a sustainable, diversified economy by 2030 .
- Coindesk – Announcement of Abu Dhabi’s $2B Hub71+ Digital Assets initiative, reinforcing government backing for Web3 startups and noting ADGM’s early regulatory leadership in 2018 .
- The National – “Dubai must take the lead on cryptocurrency payments at hotels,” confirming that crypto payments are already live at certain hotels (e.g. Palazzo Versace) and viewed as a growth opportunity for UAE tourism .
- Chainalysis – MENA Crypto Adoption report, noting the younger demographics and higher DeFi adoption in the UAE due to its collaborative regulatory stance, as well as the potential of DeFi for financial inclusion in underbanked populations .